Another thought. What about heads? Maybe, with the smaller diameter head, a thicker (hydraulic) head type might lessen the reflex.

B

I'm hitting the center of the drum, made sure of that. If I cut a port hole in the reso... How much will it kill tone? I need that high and crisp bop sound.

I'm not a fan of cutting ports. That's exactly what it does - kills tone. Might as well take the front head off. I installed a port for an engineer, on my 24" kick, and I was wondering what happened to the boom. I guesst it's fine for the studio, but not live (for me). As I ponder, I think this might be more of a technique issue, than an equipment issue. I used to have a practice kit that had an 18" Ludwig New Classic (I think that's what it was) kick and remember tuning it real dead. It sounded fine, with no adverse pedal reactions. Again, I'm a toe-guy. Been playing this way for 37 years. Maybe that's the difference?

B

Start eliminating possibilities.....

Try a completely different kick pedal on the drum and see if it still does that. If it still does it, focus on the drum. If it is good to go, either keep the pedal on there that works or focus on the original pedal to get it where you want it.

Just my :2Cents:

toodles

drumhack guitar3;)guitar2Car Driving2

The only thing I have against the technique problem is, my 22 x 14" didn't do this at all, but it had a port. I currently have a piece of felt going across both heads plus the slingerland internal muffler on the batter.

True! He's got amazing feet. I'd cramp up trying to go that fast.

Ok so you have a vent hole, air can escape.

You're hitting it dead center? Try a bit off center.

Wooly beater, hard felt or wood/hard plastic beater?

I used to get a lot of bounce (and volume) when I used to use a wood ball beater. I switched back to the old style hard felt beater and a Vater Bomber, it's got more fluff and a softer head, more boom when you need it and it's good for feathering.

All things being equal, a smaller kick drum is going to react much differently physically than a larger drum. I have never played a 16" but I have played 18" - 26". The smaller drums require a more delicate approach. Generally, the music that calls for this type of drum requires a more delicate approach as well which is why small kicks are so suitable for those styles. Imagine the technique required for a ppp buzz roll in a symphonic piece vs. a strong 2 and 4 on a deep dish Supra.

I play heel up most of the time but I don't on smaller drums unless I am doing doubles or triples. Small drums are more sensitive and that is why they require a more delicate approach as there is far less mass to move.

Try setting it up to where the beater is a little above center. That will help some and generally improves the tone of the drum. I would also suggest trying various beater options, however, I think this has more to do with technique and understanding the nature of the smaller instrument. Practice with it and you will eventually have it figured out. I doubt there is a quick fix from the music store for this. You are basically learning a new instrument, though it is one with which you are quite familiar.

I still vote you try a completely different pedal to determine if it is the pedal or the drum, then go from there. Once you have assurity that it is one or the other, you will be able to adjust your technique, and possibly the equipment, a bit better, and you will know what is causing it in your mind and your playing style may adjust "on it's own" sort of when you actually know if it is the drum head, or the pedal adjustments, or whatever. Just sayin, you don't even know if it is the drum or the pedal causing this yet, so why adjust anything until the actual problem (or cause of the issue may be more appropriate here) is discovered?

Problem solving 101 here. Eliminate possibilities, starting with the ones that will eliminate the most possibilities at once, until only one possible cause of the problem is left, than that is the problem........

toodles

drumhack Jumping2flowerMister TMind Blowi:)

Yeah, it's all about technique with smaller bass drums. You have to learn to "catch" the pedal on the return stroke. It sounds like your problem is that you are burying the beater into the head and you are getting a dribble. It's like a tap and then a catch...hard to describe. You'll get it. It's one of those "AHA!" moments.

I agree 100%. A lot of heel up players drive the beater to the head, then keep it stuck down until the next stroke. One reason they do this is it helps maintain your overall balance as you lean into your kick foot. Once you really begin to advance techniques in double bass playing, you ultimately have to sit back on your haunches and rely on the thighs to drive the pedal not the momentum you get by leaning forward. The same concept applies to 4-way independence with a hi-hat on your left and kick drum on your right. I learned a lot about overall balance from some clinics I attended by Billy Cobham in the 90's. (Google him!) Bowing

-For an experiment, hit your snare and hold the stick to the head at the end of the stroke. You'll get a "buzz" effect from multiples. In essence, that is what you are doing with your foot on each stroke. Something you should try ( at slow tempo to start out) is to hit the pedal with heel up, then drop your heel down. This will give the "catch" that O-lugs mentioned. As with any drum technique, start out SLOW and master the motion, then learn to control your muscles at a higher tempo. It won't really take that long to learn.Walking

-As was stated earlier, this really is a different instrument so stick with what is comfortable for now and work on your new technique in the practice room.